Tomato
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Never serve whole or round-halved cherry tomatoes to a child under 4.
Choking notes
Whole cherry and grape tomatoes are a top choking hazard, same shape and size as whole grapes. Always quarter lengthwise until at least age 4.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Raw is fine. The mix of slippery skin, soft flesh, seeds, and juicy pulp may cause gagging at first. Acidic juice can leave a harmless rash on contact.
Quarter a large tomato and offer the wedges, or serve a whole large tomato like a peach. Skip cherry tomatoes at this age.
9-12 months
Raw. Whole cherry and grape tomatoes are small, round, and slippery, a top choking hazard. Modeling spitting out skin helps when pieces detach.
Quartered cherry tomatoes as finger food, plus large wedges and thin round slices of bigger tomatoes. Never offer a whole cherry tomato.
12-18 months
Raw is fine. Eat with your toddler and model small bites. Keep cherry tomato pieces quartered all the way through age 4 to lower choking risk.
Keep cherry and grape tomatoes quartered. Larger tomatoes can be wedges, thin slices, or diced. Whole cherry tomatoes still wait until at least age 4.
2 years and up
Raw. Show how to bite a cherry tomato in half with the front teeth first. Practice in a supported seat with direct supervision and stay calm if it goes wrong.
Move from quartered cherry tomatoes to whole ones only once eating skills are mature: small bites, side-of-mouth chewing, full chew before swallowing.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Tomato?
Most babies can try Tomato from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Tomato and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.